The Federal Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals is waiting for the outcome of forensic investigation ordered to ascertain the actual cause of the tragic explosion that rocked Ibadan, Oyo State capital last week.
Immediately after the tragic incident, and in the presence of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, President Bola Tinubu placed a telephone call to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to commiserate with him, victims, and the people of the state.
Thereafter, the minister issued a statement of condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and other victims. He also commended the state government for mobilising relief response.
The Ministry also deployed mine inspectorate officers to the scene of the explosion to join other security agencies to unravel the cause of the explosion.
The Federal Government is now waiting for the outcome of forensic investigations that will determine the real cause of the blast, the explosives type that triggered it and the circumstances leading to the incident that led to loss of lives and property.
Alongside the press statement personally signed by Alake to convey his sympathies to the people of the state, he has also being at the forefront of working with the security agencies to unearth the cause and put mechanisms in place to avert a recurrence.
Last Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council meeting, President Tinubu constituted an inter-ministerial committee, led by Dr. Alake, to holistically address insecurity around the country’s natural resources.
The committee is expected to come up with a blueprint to effectively and efficiently secure solid minerals, forests, and marine economy.
In a statement on Sunday, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Tomori said that the committee held a maiden meeting last Friday and has been working round the clock to draw up strategies of achieving the presidential mandate. “In the coming days, there will be an expanded meeting with heads of security agencies, which will assist the committee in getting the requisite inputs that will guide it in turning in a robust report to the President”, the statement read.
Alake assured hat the Federal Government is committed to addressing challenges from the root, hence its resolve to await the outcome of painstaking forensic investigations on the Ibadan explosion before making a definite pronouncement.
“The minister believes that in sensitive situations like this, the security agencies should be allowed to do their job, as against acting on speculations. That way, the people are better informed, culprits can be brought to book, and concerted efforts can be put in place to avoid a recurrence”, Tomori also said.
